Primary won't eliminate candidates in District 34

Both candidates running in the Aug. 27 primary for House District 34 will appear on the November general election ballot.

Nikiski Republican Rep. Mike Chenault, the incumbent, is unopposed on the Republican Party ballot.

Likewise, James R. Price, also of Nikiski, has no challengers on the Republican Moderate ballot.

Price says he thinks Chenault can be beaten in the general election and differs from the incumbent over such things as the use of closed-door caucuses and the controversial decision by the Republican-led Legislature to create a new primary voting system, which Chenault supported.

For his part, Chenault gives the last Legislature only an average grade, and says there is work left to do. But he says steps were made to control spending and increase efficiency.

Both would cut government spending further, but also would focus on education funding and promoting development. Both said they would vote to move the Legislature.

Price's name is familiar to voters. He led the successful movement against the private prison proposal last year, and this year has collected enough signatures in an initiative drive to exempt non-prepared foods from the borough sales tax.

Chenault brings his experience on the Kenai Peninsula Borough Board of Education and a term in the House representing District 9, which included Nikiski and the northwestern peninsula.

House District 34's new boundaries, however, include territory from Hope to Happy Valley and the campaign will have to reach a far broader population than that of the current District 9.